Milena Casado, “Mirroring a Different Self”
ALBUM OF THE DAY
Milena Casado, “Reflection Of Another Self”
By
Matthew Blackwell
· May 15, 2025
When Milena Casado gazes into the mirror, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery. “Sometimes, we realize we’ve become a version of ourselves shaped by fear, expectations, and insecurities. That version becomes ‘another self,’ and what we see in the mirror isn’t the whole picture,” shares the talented trumpeter and composer. Growing up in Spain as a Black woman, Casado faced challenges that impacted her self-image, but through jazz, she found a nurturing path. Her mother’s love for music, with albums by legends like Charlie Parker, Ornette Coleman, John Coltrane, and Ella Fitzgerald, opened a door to a world where she felt seen and connected.
*Reflection of Another Self*, Casado’s debut album, reflects her journey of healing and collaboration with a community of musicians who supported her growth. A graduate of Berklee, she has shared the stage with many esteemed artists like Vijay Iyer and Kris Davis. Rather than sticking to a conventional acoustic quintet, Casado explores the boundaries of jazz by working with an array of talented musicians, including harpist Brandee Younger and R&B icon Meshell Ndegeocello.
On the album’s opener “THIS IS MY HAIR (!),” she shares a moment of vulnerability with bassist esperanza spalding, addressing the expectations that others place upon her. This poignant track establishes a warm and uplifting tone for the album, as Casado embraces her true self. Explore the vibrant sounds of “O.C.T. (Oda to the Crazy Times)” that combines hip-hop elements, while “SELF LOVE” offers a soulful, reflective experience. Traditionalists will also find joy in the energetic “Let’s Paint the World,” featuring dynamic exchanges between Casado’s trumpet and Morgan Guerin’s electronic wind instrument.
Throughout the album, Casado weaves in meaningful samples that echo the wisdom of influential figures in her life. In “Circles,” she incorporates insights from saxophonist Wayne Shorter, who gently guides her to let the music lead the way. The most heartfelt moment arrives in “Lidia y los Libros,” where her mother, a devoted schoolteacher, shares her love for reading. “You escape the reality that conditions you. It’s time for yourself,” she expresses, reminding us all to find solace in our passions.
As Casado reflects on her *Reflection of Another Self,* she recognizes it as a vital step in her ongoing journey of self-definition. Now, when she gazes in the mirror, she sees not just an artist, but a beacon of promise in the world of jazz, ready to inspire others toward their own paths of discovery and healing.
